Storage Case Media Clip

ABSTRACT

A case for holding a DVD or other device may include a flexible clip arm for, e.g., retaining printed information about the DVD, holding the DVD, and/or locking one or more DVDs in place. An apparatus includes a body configured to retain a first disc. The apparatus further includes a retention device coupled to the body and configured to apply pressure to material disposed between the retention device and the body and thereby to assist in retaining the material between the retention device and the body. A method includes inserting a first disc into a container configured to retain the first disc. The method further includes securing material within the container using a retention device coupled to the container and configured to apply pressure to the material and thereby to assist in retaining the material within the container. Other implementations focus on holding or locking a DVD, or other device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No.60/779,023, filed Mar. 3, 2006, and titled “Storage Case Media Clip.”The entire contents of Application No. 60/779,023 are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to storage containers.

BACKGROUND

DVD (Digital Versatile Disc, or also referred to as Digital Video Disc)cases may contain one or more DVDs. Within a typical single-disc DVDcase, the disc is usually retained on the inner right panel by a hubthat holds the disc. Some DVD cases allow multiple DVDs to be stored onthe hub. DVD cases also typically provide a mechanism for retaining anddisplaying printed material.

SUMMARY

According to an implementation, an apparatus includes a body configuredto retain a first disc. The apparatus also includes a retention devicecoupled to the body and configured to apply pressure to materialdisposed between the retention device and the body and thereby to assistin retaining the material between the retention device and the body.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will beapparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an implementation of a case opened to reveal a leafletclip.

FIG. 2 shows the case of FIG. 1 further showing a disc attached to theleaflet clip.

FIG. 3 is a side-view of the leaflet clip of FIG. 1 retaining material.

FIG. 4 is a side-view of an implementation showing complementaryengaging structures of a leaflet clip and a hub.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the hub of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method implementation for using a leafletclip having a hub.

FIG. 7 a is a side-view of an implementation of a leaflet clip having anon-chamfered corner.

FIG. 7 b is a side-view of an implementation of a leaflet clip having achamfered corner.

FIG. 8 shows an implementation of a case with a leaflet clip cut out ofthe body of the case.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Typical single-disc DVD packaging does not permit the inclusion of asecond disc hub along with the ability to retain leaflets or promotionalmaterial. Further, typical disc security is based upon a ridge or wallaround the disc that endeavors to prevent disc removal unless the caseis first opened. However, this security is often insufficient because,for example, it is possible to cut the wrapping, shake the disc off itshub, and allow the disc to fall out of the base of the case.

This disclosure presents various implementations of, for example, a DVDcase that can be opened to show an inner left panel and an inner rightpanel, with both panels joined by an integral hinge. Commonly, the innerright panel includes a first hub that retains a first disc. Severalimplementations use a flexible clip arm secured at the outermost side ofthe inner left panel, and the clip arm typically has one or more of thefollowing three functions.

First, the clip arm may be lifted to allow the insertion and subsequentretention of leaflets or promotional literature along with the firstdisc, such as, for example, the information normally included with acommercially purchased DVD. Second, the clip arm may provide a secondhub to facilitate the inclusion of a second disc within the DVD case byfastening the second disc to the second hub. Third, when the DVD case isclosed, the clip arm may help to retain the first disc by, for example,having the second hub or some other portion of the clip arm (or of thecase) engage the first hub or the first disc itself.

Regarding the third function, the clip arm may help to retain the firstdisc by, for example, including a portion that protrudes through thehole in the first disc when there is no hub fastening the first disc.The protruding portion need not protrude all the way through the hole,but may, more generally, simply cross the uppermost plane of the firstdisc.

A flexible clip arm implementing the third function may prevent discremoval without first opening the case. This is a result of the secondhub engaging, for example, one or more of the first hub and the firstdisc. The engagement imposes a physical barrier to removing either thefirst disc or second disc unless the DVD case is first opened. Thisbarrier also is integral to the case, and the fact that the barrier isintegral may provide additional security against a disc being removed.

Each of the above three functions can be achieved in isolation withoutthe other two, or any combination of the three can be achieved. Thus,for example, the second disc can be included in the case and fastened tothe second hub while also allowing leaflets or other material to beinserted. As further examples, a case may include a device for holding adisc and securing printed information, and/or a case may engage a discso as to provide a physical barrier inhibiting dislodgement of the discfrom a hub.

Referring to FIG. 1, a top view of an opened DVD case 100 that is layingflat is shown. The case 100 includes a left side 110 and a right side120 joined by an integral hinge 125 that allows the left side 110 tofold over and overlie the right side 120. The folding over of the leftside 110 over on top of the right side 120 is indicated by an arrow 128.The left side 110 includes a leaflet clip 130 that is, in theimplementation shown, molded to the body of the case 100 at a position132. The leaflet clip 130 includes a body portion 135 that acts as aleaf spring to retain pamphlets, leaflets, or other material 140 thatmay be inserted under the leaflet clip 130 as indicated in FIG. 1. Theleaflet clip 130, or at least a portion thereof, conforms to the size ofthe material 140 to apply pressure and to retain the material 140. Theleaflet clip 130 also includes a hub 150 that protrudes up when the case100 is opened (see FIG. 3) and may be used to fasten (see FIG. 2) a DVDor other device having, for example, a generally circular hole. The hub150 may fasten a DVD using, for example, a lip or other structure as iscommonly known.

The right side 120 of the case 100 typically has a hub 155 or othermechanism located at a position 220. The hub 155 is used, in a typicalmanner, to fasten a first disc 160 or other device having, for example,a generally circular hole. However, other implementations do not includethe hub 155. Rather, these other implementations retain the first disc160 using, for example, one or more ridges 165 or one or more tabs 170located on the right side 120 outlining a portion of the intendedperimeter of the first disc 160.

By folding the left side 110 over the right side 120, for example toclose the case 100, the hub 150 engages the position 220 by engagingeither the hole in the first disc 160 or the hub 155. This engagementserves to help retain the first disc 160. For example, if the first disc160 is dislodged from the hub 155 (or, for example, from the ridges 165or the tabs 170 that may be positioned on the perimeter of the firstdisc 160), then the engagement of the hub 150 restricts the first disc160 from being slid out of the case 100.

Referring to FIG. 2, a top view of the opened case 100 is shown with asecond disc 210 fastened to the hub 150. The second disc 210 is shown asa clear disc in FIG. 2. Upon closing the case 100 (for example, byfolding the left side 110 to overlie the right side 120), with orwithout the second disc 210 inserted and fastened, the hub 150 will liein registration with the hub 155 to help retain the first disc 160 byoccupying at least part of the position 220. The position 220 is theposition of the hub 155 as described above.

In other implementations, the right side 120 does not have a hub, andthe position 220 is the position corresponding to a hole in the firstdisc 160. Upon closing the case 100 in these implementations, with thefirst disc 160 inserted, the hub 150 lies in registration with the holein the first disc 160.

Referring to FIG. 3, a side view is shown of the clip 130 retainingmaterial 140. The hub 150 protrudes up from the body 135, and allows adisc to be fastened to the hub 150. The body 135 is shown at an angle tothe surface of the material 140. However, other implementations may usedifferent angles, including an angle of zero (no angle). Additionally,the clip 130 may be spaced from the left side 110 by a distance that isdetermined based on an expected thickness of the material 140.

Referring to FIG. 4, a side view is shown in which a hub 150 a and a hub155 a are in close proximity as may happen, for example, when a case isalmost closed. The hub 150 a is a specific implementation of the hub150, and the hub 155 a is an implementation of the hub 155 of FIG. 2occupying the position 220. In implementations in which the hub 150 ofFIG. 2 engages the hub 155 of FIG. 2 (as opposed to engaging the hole inthe first disc 160, for example), the two hubs may be designed with avariety of configurations. FIG. 4 shows a configuration in which the twohubs 150 a and 155 a have a complementary configuration, as describedbelow.

Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the hub 155 a is shown.Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the hub 155 a includes a top surface 410, aside surface 420, and a bottom surface 425. The hub 150 a of FIG. 4includes a bottom surface 430 that is complementary to top surface 410,a side surface 440 that is complementary to side surface 420, and a topsurface 450 that is complementary to bottom surface 425. When the caseis closed and the hubs 150 a and 155 a engage each other, the surfaces410 and 430 extend past each other forming a physical barrier thatinhibits the discs 160 and 210 from being removed. When the case isclosed, the side surfaces 420 and 440 will face each other and may, butneed not, touch each other. Similarly, (1) top surfaces 410 and 450 willface each other and may, but need not, touch each other, and (2) bottomsurfaces 425 and 430 will face each other and may, but need not, toucheach other.

Other implementations may use a variety of complementary surfaceconfigurations, mating configurations, or locking configurations. Forexample, the hub 150 a may define a hole, and the hub 155 a may providea protrusion (also referred to as an extension) that is inserted atleast partially into the hole. Additionally, as FIG. 5 and thediscussion of FIG. 5 indicate, implementations need only provide aprotrusion on either one of the hubs 150 a and 155 a, but may provideprotrusions on both of the hubs 150 a and 155 a.

FIG. 5 also illustrates a division of the hub 155 a into two portionsincluding a retaining portion 510 for retaining a disc, and an engagingportion 520 for engaging a second disc or a second hub as explainedabove. Although not illustrated, the retaining portion 510 typicallyincludes a ridge or other structure as commonly known to help retain adisc. The engaging portion 520 is illustrated as a protrusion. Manyimplementations include a protrusion for engaging the other hub or disc,but non-protruding features are also contemplated in addition to or inlieu of a protrusion. Although FIG. 5 only shows the division of the hub155 a, the hub 150 a can similarly be divided into a retaining portionand an engaging portion.

Referring to FIG. 6, a process 600 is shown for inserting informationmaterial and two discs into the case 100. The process 600 is describedwith respect to the case 100, but may be modified to support otherimplementations that may differ from the case 100. The process 600 alsomay be varied and still achieve the goals of inserting leaflets and twodiscs.

The process 600 includes opening the case 100 (operation 610) andinserting the first disc 160 (operation 620). The first disc may befastened to a hub, but need not be. For example, the case 100 mayprovide a ridge or other structure that, for example, serves as a guideon the perimeter of the first disc and helps to maintain the first discin place.

The process 600 further includes inserting the information 140 under theclip 130 (operation 630). In this implementation, the information 140 isretained by the clip 130 without need for additional retention devicessuch as, for example, one or more tabs that would overlie a portion ofthe perimeter of the information 140 (as is commonly known), or anadditional clip. The implementation thus provides a single device forretaining the information 140, although other implementations providemultiple devices. A retaining device may provide only a single point ofcontact with the information 140, or may provide multiple points ofcontact. Further, in addition to providing one or more retainingdevices, an implementation may provide guides for the information 140,such as, for example, an edge on the left side 110 around the perimeterof the location at which the information 140 is to be inserted.

The process 600 includes fastening the second disc 210 on the hub 150(operation 640). The process 600 also includes closing the case 100which includes engaging the hub 150 with the position 220 (operation650). In an implementation in which the case 100 includes a second hub(for example, the hub 155) at the position 220, then engaging the hub150 with the position 220 may include engaging the hub 150 with thesecond hub 155. In an implementation in which the case 100 does notinclude a hub at position 220, then engaging the hub 150 with theposition 220 may include engaging the hub 150 with a hole defined by thefirst disc 160.

The process 600 may be performed in whole or in part by one or more of avariety of actors. For example, a machine may perform the process 600 inan automated manner to package DVDs for sale. The machine may beprogrammed with instructions for carrying out the operations of theprocess 600, and the instructions may be stored on a storage device andexecuted by a processor, for example.

As used in this disclosure, a processor may include one or more of avariety of processing devices including, for example, a computer, amicroprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic device.Additionally, as used in this disclosure, a storage device for storingprogram instructions may include one or more of a variety of devicesincluding, for example, a hard disk, a compact diskette (“CD”), a DVD, arandom access memory (“RAM”), a read-only memory (“ROM”), or internalregisters or other memory within a processor. Further, as used in thisdisclosure, instructions may be, for example, contained in hardware, infirmware, in software, or in an electromagnetic wave.

Referring to FIG. 7 a, a side view is shown of a leaflet clip 130 aattached to the outer edge of the left side 110 of a case. The leafletclip 130 a is an implementation of the leaflet clip 130. There is a gap710, between the leaflet clip 130 a and the left side 110 of the case,for inserting leaflets or other material. An arrow 720 shows thedirection of insertion of the material. The leaflet clip 130 a has anend surface 725 a and a corner 730 a. The end surface 725 a and thecorner 730 a may interfere with the insertion of the material if thematerial hits the end surface 725 a while being inserted along thedirection of the arrow 720.

Referring to FIG. 7 b, an alternate implementation of the leaflet clip130 is shown that reduces the interference with the insertion of thematerial. A leaflet clip 130 b is attached to the outer edge of the leftside 110 of the case, and is separated from the left side 110 by the gap710. However, the leaflet clip 130 b includes a shortened end surface725 b, and a chamfered corner 730 b that reduces interference with theinsertion of the material. As material is inserted into the gap 710along the direction of the arrow 720, if the material strikes thechamfered corner 730 b, then the chamfered corner 730 b tends to guidethe material into the gap 710. Conversely, the end surface 725 a and thecorner 730 a tend to prevent the material from entering the gap 710 ifthe material strikes the end surface 725 a.

Referring to FIG. 8, an implementation is shown in which a leaflet clipis formed out of a portion of the left-hand panel of the case. A case800 includes the right side 120 as previously described, the integralhinge 125 as previously described, and a left side 810. The left side810 includes a leaflet clip 830 having an exposed perimeter 840. Theleaflet clip 830 is formed from the left side 810 by cutting the leftside 810 along the desired position for the exposed perimeter 840. Theleft side 810 is formed of a material that is flexible enough to allowthe portion of the left side 810 that now forms the leaflet clip 830 tobe flexed upward allowing leaflets or other material to be inserted. Theedges of the leaflet clip 830 may be chamfered, or other commontechniques may be used, to allow leaflets or other material to beinserted and retained without being damaged.

Yet further implementations may attach a clip arm to a case at adifferent location, such as, for example, at the innermost (right) side,the top, or the bottom of the left side 110 of the case 100. The cliparm also, or alternatively, may rotate about a pivot point to allowleaflets or other material to be inserted. The pivot point may belocated at, for example, the position 132 at which the leaflet clip 130attaches to the case 100. The clip arm also may have multiple points ofretention or contact with the leaflets.

In further implementations, the hubs also may have various differentshapes, such as, for example, a hexagonal shape. At least a portion ofthe shape of a hub will generally be substantially matched to the shapeof a hole in a DVD or other item that is to be fastened by the hub.

Implementations also may perform one, two, or three of the mainfunctions enumerated earlier, as well as other functions. For example, afirst implementation provides a clip arm that retains information, butthe clip arm does not have a hub for fastening a second disc or astructure for engaging a hub or a hole and helping to retain a firstdisc. A second implementation provides an arm that includes a hub forfastening a disc but has no structure for engaging another hub or ahole, and also does not provide any retention for documentation. A thirdimplementation provides an arm that does not retain documents or includea hub, but does include a protrusion for engaging a hub or a hole.Additional implementations include structure for performing variouscombinations of the three functions.

The techniques and products described in this disclosure can be appliedto a variety of cases or storage devices, and the cases may be referredto using a variety of terms, such as, for example, a media case, a mediacontainer, a storage container or case, a security container or case, ora security storage container or case. Larger numbers of products alsomay be stored in the case. For example, the implementation that uses twohubs may store four DVDs by, for example, storing two DVDs on each oftwo hubs. Cases may be used to store a variety of different products,such as, for example, a DVD, a CD, a Blu-ray disc, or an HD DVD.

Many of the products that a case may store may be referred to as a“disc.” The term “disc” may refer to the above-mentioned “discs” (DVD,CD, Blu-ray, HD DVD) and may also be used to refer to other media forstoring or recording content, such as, for example, a 3.5 inch computerdisc, a VHS tape, a 5 inch floppy disc, or a laserdisc. The contentstored or recorded on a disc may be analog or digital, and may be storedor recorded in one or more of various manners, including, for example,electronically, optically, mechanically, or magnetically.

Many implementations store one or more discs between two sides (forexample, the left side 110 and the right side 120) of a case. The sidesmay be fixed in one configuration, or may adopt a variety ofconfigurations. The sides may be coupled together through a hinge, suchas, for example, the integral hinge 125, or an “accordion-type”expanding hinge in which the two sides always overlie each other but ata varying distance. Additionally, a hub or protrusion or other featuresdescribed herein may be affixed to a surface other than a side of acase. For example, a case may include a divider between the first sideand the second side, with the divider having a hub for storing a discand for engaging another hub.

The term “hub” has been used to describe a feature allowing a disc to befastened. Configurations of hubs are commonly known. More generally, ahub may be referred to as a fastener and includes other structuresdesigned to fasten a disc. Implementations alternatively need only holda disc, without fastening the disc to the case. Disc holders include, ofcourse, hubs and other fasteners, but also include ridges around aperimeter of a disc and protrusions designed to penetrate a center holeof a disc without fastening the disc. A disc is retained if the disc is,for example, held or fastened.

At least one implementation provides a case that holds a single disc.The single disc is held by a disc holder attached to a leaflet clip onone side of the case, and there is no disc holder (including a hub,ridges, tabs, etc.) on the other side of the case. The disc holder onthe leaflet clip also may provide an engaging portion that helps toretain or to lock the single disc by engaging a portion of the otherside of the case. The portion may include, for example, a structure thatis complimentary to the engaging portion.

Various implementations may provide a case with one or more of thefollowing advantages: the case may include a device for holding a discand securing printed information, the case may engage a disc so as toprovide a physical barrier inhibiting dislodgement of the disc from ahub.

Various implementations are described as including components that arecoupled together. Two components are considered to be coupled when thetwo components are, for example, directly coupled to each other, orindirectly coupled to each other through one or more interveningcomponents.

The various aspects, features, and implementations may be implemented inone or more of a variety of manners, even if described above withoutreference to a particular manner or using only one manner. For example,the various aspects and features may be implemented using, for example,one or more of a method, an apparatus, an apparatus for performing amethod, a program or other set of instructions, an apparatus thatincludes a program or a set of instructions, and a computer readablemedium.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in thisdisclosure. However, other features will be apparent from thedisclosure, including the figures and the claims. Additionally, it willbe understood that various modifications may be made. For example,elements of different implementations may be combined, supplemented,modified, or removed to produce other implementations. Accordingly,other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.

1-25. (canceled)
 26. An apparatus comprising: a retention deviceconfigured to apply pressure to material, wherein the retention deviceincludes a first fastener configured to retain a first disc.
 27. Theapparatus of claim 26 wherein the first fastener comprises a first hub.28. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein: the retention device includes afirst side configured to be oriented toward the material, the retentiondevice includes a second side configured to be oriented away from thematerial, and the first fastener is disposed on the second side of theretention device.
 29. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the firstfastener comprises: a retaining portion configured to retain the firstdisc; and an engaging portion configured to engage a second disc. 30.The apparatus of claim 26 wherein: the apparatus further comprises asecond fastener configured to retain a second disc, and the firstfastener comprises: a retaining portion configured to retain the firstdisc; and an engaging portion configured to engage the second fastener.31. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein the second fastener comprises ahub.
 32. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein: the apparatus furthercomprises a first side and a second side, with the first side and thesecond side having at least one configuration in which the first sideand the second side at least partially overlie each other, the firstfastener is disposed on the first side, the second fastener is disposedon the second side, and the engaging portion is configured to engage thesecond fastener when the first side and the second side are in the atleast one configuration.
 33. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein theapparatus is a case for holding a disc, and the case comprises: a firstside, wherein the retention device is disposed on the first side; asecond side; a hinge coupled to both the first side and the second side,the hinge allowing the first side to fold over toward the second sidesuch that the first side and the second side at least partially overlieeach other; and the retention device, wherein: the retention deviceincludes a first surface configured to be oriented toward the material,and a second surface configured to be oriented away from the material,and the first fastener is disposed on the second surface of theretention device.
 34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein: the second sideis configured to retain a second disc, and the first fastener isconfigured to engage the second disc when the first side is folded overthe second side.
 35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the firstfastener comprises a protrusion for engaging the second disc.
 36. Theapparatus of claim 26 further comprising a body that includes theretention device, wherein the retention device is configured to applypressure to material disposed between the retention device and the body,and wherein the first fastener is further configured to retain the firstdisc by engaging a center hole of the first disc.
 37. A methodcomprising: securing material within a container configured to retain afirst disc using a retaining portion of a retention device, theretention device being coupled to the container and configured to applypressure to the material and thereby to assist in retaining the materialwithin the container; and securing the first disc using a fasteningportion of the retention device.
 38. The method of claim 37 furthercomprising: securing a second disc in the container; and closing thecontainer and, in the process of closing the container, engaging aportion of the secured second disc with a portion of the retentiondevice so as to further secure the second disc.
 39. The method of claim38 wherein the container includes a first side coupled to a second side,the retention device is on the first side, and the method furthercomprises: fastening a second disc to the second side; and engaging thesecond disc with a portion of the retention device so as to restrictmovement of the second disc.
 40. The method of claim 39 wherein engagingcomprises bringing the first side into closer proximity with the secondside by closing the container.
 41. The method of claim 38 wherein thecontainer includes a first side coupled to a second side, the retentiondevice is on the first side, and the method further comprises: fasteninga second disc to a hub on the second side; and engaging the hub with aportion of the retention device so as to restrict movement of the seconddisc.